ECU picks up a massive win in double overtime over George Mason
East Carolina secured a dramatic 78-77 win over George Mason in double overtime on Saturday night at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum, making it known from the tip this game would be far just a normal non-conference matchup.
The intensity kicked off early, with ECU head coach Michael Schwartz and George Mason's coach exchanging heated words across the baseline in the first half. Schwartz later described the exchange as “just normal game intensity,” but it set the tone for what would be a gritty and physical game between two defense-first teams.
RJ Felton, the senior guard, was the hero for ECU, scoring 27 points while playing through noticeable cramps in the late part of the second half. His performance was pivotal, especially in the closing moments of regulation and overtime. Felton hit a critical shot to tie the game at 61-61 in the final seconds of regular time, forced overtime by scoring all six of ECU's points in the first extra period, and then nailed a crucial 3-pointer in the second overtime to put the Pirates ahead 77-75. Felton scored 11 of the Pirates' 17 overtime points, leading them to their fourth win of the season.
Felton’s effort was historic, moving him into 10th place on ECU’s all-time scoring list, surpassing Brock Young.
Despite struggling with their shooting, hitting just 33.8% from the field, ECU dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing 49 boards to George Mason’s 40. The Pirates also made the most of their second chances, pulling down 24 offensive rebounds and scoring 22 points off them. On defense, ECU forced 19 turnovers, tallying 14 steals.
Although ECU was without starting forward Trevion LaBeaux due to injury, their starting five stepped up to the challenge. Jordan Riley posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while CJ Walker finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds despite shooting just 3-of-11 from the floor. Cam Hayes, battling through a leg injury, contributed 10 points and 5 assists. Felton, Riley, Walker, and Jayshayne Woodard (11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals) all played more than 40 minutes.
George Mason, led by Darius Maddox’s 20 points, struggled from beyond the arc, making only 6-of-22 three-pointers. While the Patriots shot 43.3% from the field overall, their inability to make outside shots and ECU’s defense ultimately cost them the game.
The Pirates now head to Daytona Beach, Fla., for the Boardwalk Battle, where they will take on Jacksonville State on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be streamed on BallerTV.